Britblog Roundup 265 - Easter Edition

Still a bit light with my blogging. However as it's my turn to host the BBRU roundup don't want to let the team down. Not many nominations this week but it is supposed to be Easter weekend after all.

Thought we might at least see some nominations about Easter or trips out but the general buzz on the blogs is - The general election nearly here at last!

Politics mixed with a slight Easter slant - from Instapunk

The United States is a Christian nation. Western civilization is a by-product of Christian consciousness. The real difference between conservatives and liberals has to do not with morality, per se, but the loss of faith in Christ himself.

Theo Sparks is Thinking of young men

For those following the polls Analysing a survey of policies

How it feels to live in a marginal seat one vote could effect a change. The feelings of many people when asked who they would vote for

"I don't really want to vote for Labour, but I don't really want to vote for the Tories, but then again the Lib Dems have no chance so that'd be pointless. So I don't really know."

The election war on YouTube, the videos are worth a play. I think everybody can relate to the annoyance of rushing to catch a train and finding the ticket machines out of order with the ticket office shut. What does one do but jump on a train and hope for the best.

Defending an important job Baroness Kinnock talks shop

Neil Craig continues his investigation of whether low level nuclear radiation is beneficial rather than dangerous by pointing to the execution in 1964 of a herd of cows irradiated 18 years previously who were due to enter the Guiness book of records for the world's oldest cattle.

Scotland's Chief Science Advisor says global warming will cause an increase in day length in Scotland

From Natalie Bennett: The problem with innovation - what happens if the new version is worse than the old one?

Stroppy Blog is defending the RMT's proposed strike action - Court Bans RMT Strike - It's Nothing To Do With Justice

The court ruling injuncting RMT's strike of Network Rail signallers lays bare Britain's trade union legislation for what it is: a set of laws designed not to ensure justice but to stop workers fighting back against the employers' offensive.

Different schools of thought - Sergeant Smellie has been acquitted of assaulting a protester at the G20 after the key witness failed to show up at the trial. Jim Jay's post was nominated as 'An unsweet acquittal' but he writes The sweet aroma of justice

Ambulance reality Patients' groups expressed horror at the "sick experiment" in which NHS managers have agreed to pay £38 for every casualty that ambulance staff "keep out of Accident and Emergency" (A&E) departments after a 999 call has been made. The tactic is part of an attempt to manage increasing demand for emergency care amid failings in the GP out-of-hours system.

From Charles Crawford as usual, his diplomatic approach to all issues - World's Most Pathetic Islamist Forgery - Ever!

That is all for now. Hope you all enjoy the rest of the Easter break! May the fluffy bunnies deliver basketfuls of chocolate! Just had a call from my grandchildren telling me the have been on an Easter egg hunt - Now that brings back memories. Tuesday it's supposed to be back to normal.

Send your nominations, as ever, to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Partners Anonymous Tip Off Line

At long last sees the launch of Partners ‘Anonymous Tip Off Line’ - 020 7288 8326.

This now gives residents the opportunity to report problems in confidence without fear of retaliation from others. The Residents Forum had been pressing for this for some time.

One can use this line to report issues such as:
Unauthorised occupation, illegal subletting, anti-social behaviour, harassment, noise, dogs, dumping of rubbish in gardens or any other issue that you would like to make the Housing management team aware of.

Feedback so far - it seems to be a big hit with Partners residents. Though some nervous people forget to leave the address they are calling about. The team hope these callers will call back.

So if you have something to complain about just pick up the phone!

Contacting Partners repairs team via Islington Council

Good news for Islington Partners' residents who want to contact the repairs team via the council main switch board - Contact Islington 0207527200

The press button option 3 now says Repairs HFI or Partners Repairs. The Partners option directs the caller straight through to the team. This now cuts out what was a completely unnecessary layer of bureaucracy

Residents are always saying they can't remember the repairs line telephone number. Can appreciate that problem myself.

Have been having a running debate with management about the problem. There is presumption that everybody can retain numbers in their head or have numbers to hand when they need them. Countless times residents have had to copy the number from my ID card when I've had to visit them.

The argument has always been that the Partners phone number is free so why would anybody want to go through the council. The arrogance of some officials p... me off at times. They don't appreciate that council residents often don't understand the difference between the various Housing management organisations, all they know is that they are council tenants. They forget that many residents especially the older generation like to use the free phones at the neighbourhood offices. It's a place to go to meet people. They are dismissive of the fact that all hands are not equal and even a freephone call from a mobile phone is not actually free. It costs money holding on going round in circles waiting for somebody to answer them.

Well, I just have to say thank you to the Contact Islington admin team who put the changes in place.

TSA regulations enpowering Tenants

Back to school at Trafford Hall.

Towards the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) regulations on Social Housing which comes into effect from April 2010, Partners Residents Forum member Chris Graham & myself attended the Resident - Led Regulation course at Trafford Hall, Chester. The following week we also attended the 3 day Tenants Inspection course 10 - 12 March.

It was organised at very short notice but because of the importance for Islington tenants we were encouraged to take advantage of the available places.

Quoting from the TSA website:
In the biggest shake up of social housing regulation in decades, the six standards, drawn up with tenants and landlords up and down the country, will come into effect from 1 April and cover how landlords need to deal with issues such as tenant involvement and empowerment, repairs and maintenance, rents, quality of accommodation, complaints and anti-social behaviour. In its new framework, the TSA’s six national standards which landlords will need to meet are:

• Tenant involvement and empowerment, including customer service, choice and complaints, and understanding and responding to diverse needs


• Home, including repairs and maintenance and quality of accommodation


• Tenancy, including allocations, rent and tenure


• Neighbourhood and community, including neighbourhood management, local area co-operation and anti-social behaviour


• Value for money
  
• Governance and financial viability.

What does it mean in reality. Teams of residents working independently but alongside management to scrutinise and inspect literally anything they feel needs addressing in their community. For so long residents have been told what has to happen by officialdom that documents and information are confidential.

Some local authorities and housing management organisations preempting the regulations have gone a long way in setting the wheels in motion. We had several representations and some of the course participants themselves demonstrated what they were doing in their areas. Was impressed with one group who confirmed that they now have 70 Tenant inspectors looking at voids, contracts, standard of works, output specifications, value for money and management issues.

One point that was clearly evident across the country is that Residents felt more comfortable in talking to other residents without officialdom listening to what they say. I was able to confirm this to be fact from my own experience of inspections and residents complaints.

A representative from the audit commission who is also a Tenant inspector in his own area explained how to operate so that Management do not 'cherry pick' which residents they visit.

The good news is that Chris and I were told the Partners residents forum is a good sounding board to start. A flash thought at the time, it would be wonderful if we could get 70 inspectors. What did surprise me is that some of the past suggestions made by forum members which were answered with the response they can't be done for one reason or another, are in fact all part of the new regulations. The old cliche comes to mind 'Put that in your pipe and smoke it'.

What did we gain from the training? It was so intensive but what we learned was invaluable. It is presumed that these courses will have to held locally because besides all the issues surrounding personal safety, signing confidentiality documents and identity cards residents will need to know what is expected of them.

Some groups have started off with looking at voids. The condition when a property is vacated. What can be recycled for use by other residents, the repairs works in progress, standard of workmanship and the final condition before a property is relet.

This has always been one of my gripes. To show high turn around performance ratings there is a tendency in Islington to invite residents to view a property before work is completed. The attitude is that desperate people will accept anything so they have to take it or leave it. This to my way of thinking is just wrong.

Marching to Save our Whittington

Can't imagine anybody living locally who is not annoyed at the proposal to close Whittington Hospital 's A & E department.

The campaign against the closure has been going on for weeks.

The heavy rain didn't deter all those who turn out for the public March yesterday.

Quoting from our local papers

THERE were extraordinary scenes this afternoon when close to 5,000 people marched through the streets of Islington with one intention: To 'Save Our Whittington'.

The protest was over plans to cut the Accident and Emergency department at the hospital in Archway. After snaking from Highbury Corner to the hospital, there were speeches from politicians from all the main parties, patient campaigners and health experts. Eyewitnesses said it was the biggest march of its kind in Islington in recent memory.

Lets hope those who made the proposal will stop and think about residents needs....

Home meetings are more friendly

The word seems to have gone round that if anybody wants to have a one-to-one meeting with me, my house is the preferable place - it's a more friendly atmosphere. I don't mind who wants to see me to discuss anything but travelling to offices all over the place even if they compensate you for travel expenses is so inconvenient.

Yesterday received two of United House management team. I really appreciated their effort because Swanley, UHL's base to London is not an easy journey - I've done it before. It's also gratifying to know my feedback from visiting residents is considered important enough for officialdom to arrange such meetings. On their part it also gives them the opportunity to look at the property and my flat as one of those refurbished under Islington's PFI program.

Last month the head of Housing management came round to discuss forum matters. He also took the opportunity to have a good look at this property and took some great photos. He's somebody I really like - with problematic residents cases he often visits personally.

He looked at my garden area which is bit sad at the moment. The ground is being contaminated by cleaning chemicals and other muck from the higher level. From my window you can actually see the water flow under the dying grass. The use of biodegradable cleaning stuff would be a start. Was in two minds to abandon the garden completely, will take time but the problem will be sorted. Waiting for an official soil tester, then perhaps the grass will all have to be dug up and turf laid.

There is no age limit for training

Partners have an annual training programme budget for Resident forum members and their staff. Today, along with other members, attended a mini course on Housing Law. Was really intensive but so interesting. Loads of questions from everybody - Partners staff themselves all felt it was very useful job wise. Least there is a better understanding all round as to why some procedures as bureaucratic as they might be under current legislation, are implemented a certain way.

One section that was a real eye opener: Most people seem to be under the misconception that residents are either Secure or Assured tenancy. There are actually different types of tenancies ranging from a Starter tenancy to a Demoted tenancy.

The one all the course participants were naturally most interested in was a demoted tenancy. This was introduced by the Anti Social act of 2003 whereby social housing landlords can take away a secure tenancy.

I'm quite sure the next enquiry that is going to come up is how many demoted residencies Islington Borough has on their books.

Can honestly say it kept the old grey brain cells alert. Told by some of the staff afterwards I made them laugh - one has to put a bit of humour into the whole thing to lighten the tense atmosphere in the room.

We are apparently going to receive certificates. To add them to my collection is just to show I've not as yet lost my marbles but for younger people they are good to add to their CV's.

Feedback from other forum members fantastic - can I arrange other courses. Well I don't arrange anything I just make suggestions to management as to the course that members might be interested in.

It has however encouraged me to attend one of the three day courses held at Trafford Hall near Chester - am booked with another member on the next Inspectors course. Have been a bit reluctant in the past to travel so far on my own. Will be interested to to visit somewhere I've not been to for about 40 years - my companion says he doesn't mind trekking round Chester so I can find a fridge magnet. Started a collection some years ago of all the places I've visited in UK. Well he offered - he apparently also thinks I'm a lively soul. Wonder it he will feel the same after a few days in my company.....

Allergies that come & go

Had a very excited granddaughter on the phone telling me about her visit to the doctor and him pricking her arm. She can now have chocolate - her treat for being so good all these years - chocolate fingers.

For children born with allergies, it's a nightmare when it comes to food. Both my grandchildren were born lactose intolerant.

They had to go for tests every six months - doctors kept saying they might grow out of it. My grandson was cleared just after his 2nd birthday but my granddaughter's case has dragged on. Now over 3 years to be cleared of her milk allergy is great - she said no more Soya and she can now have some of my friend's Jaffa cakes which are hidden in my cupboard. Funny girl.

Sadly her peanut nut allergy will probably be for life. She loves marzipan on cakes so almonds are obviously not a problem.

Must be honest I have to admire the way they have both coped with it - they have never complained. It is difficult to make young children understand that something they may eat could make them very ill. It's worrying for parents.

By sheer coincidence went to the doctors myself for the results of my own test. Seems I've also got the all clear. I was told I have developed a wheat allergy and since I was 14 anything oily or milky foods have always made me feel sick so I've avoided them as much as possible for most of my life.

What I don't understand is how dangerously high cholesterol levels can drop back to normal without medication. I was given Statins last year but they made me so sick and mentally confused I just refused to take them. Don't think the doctors really believed me when I told them. I don't cook any fried food - there is only olive and sesame seed oil in my cupboard. Nor do I drink dairy milk of any kind. All I have done to change my diet is to drink Soya chocolate milk as a substitute for chocolate sweets and deserts. Then reduced the amount of carbohydrates to try and lose some weight.

As I'm at an age when doctors send you appointments for government approved tests for all sorts, I've given up trying to fight the system because if one doesn't attend the appointments the letters just don't stop - the docs told me that they keep getting reminder letters from authorities if patients don't comply. For now they have my co-operation at least to stop all the useless paper that comes though the letterbox.

A birthday comes but once a year

Yesterday was my birthday. Wasn't looking forward to it this year but it turned out to be absolutely amazing.

Was so surprised the number of cards I received even from some of the residents I've been helping. How some people knew it was my birthday god only knows. Flowers are also so cheerful - now I've got a proper place to put them they made the whole flat smell lovely.

My sister Anne-louise travelled up from Plymouth which was great. Don't know where she found them but she gave me some coins in pretty bags from the year I was born together with a Denton china antique dress pin. Probably be worth a bob or two in the future. We even had a friendly chat with our other sister Jean who seems to be mellowing as she gets older. Cousin Richard called us on Skypac - sort or chuffed he remembered that sis was coming down.

In the evening my son Sule & Natasha arranged a special dinner at a Lebanese restaurant in Central London. Tash asked me one day what kind of food I liked best. Sule gave her the answer Lebanese or African - just knew her the selected choice would be Leb food.

It's good to have something one hasn't eaten for some time. My sister was as pleased as I was. Don't think either of us has eaten Lebanese cuisine since relocating back from Africa.

What is it about families taking about old times. When the Arabic dancer started, Sis just had to tell Tash about my winning an Arabic dancing competition when I was younger. God! just thinking about it makes me cringe - my gesticulating the hips with a scarf around the the backside. I've always been able to dance but that day I won with a standing ovation, I was speechless because I was the only non Arabic dancer.

Sunday was also fun. Least Sule came and picked up his brother and took sis to the station. Well another birthday over for this year.

Britblog Roundup 258: The no title edition

Very few nominations this week - Not very exciting - Most posts have a political slant. Well a nomination is a nomination after all so here goes....

Saying that is all well and good but about to start my spiel, I've suddenly found on my new computer with the latest version of windows Blogger is not working the way it should. Whatever next. Lets see how we get on. Might have to call the tech guys....

We start with a bit of local news which is guaranteed to run and run. A bit of a shocker last week Tuesday to hear on the national news 'Camden's Lib Dem Mayor arrested over benefit fraud'. It's in all the local newspapers - bloggers as well. Cllr Faruque Ansari has been suspended from the Lib Dem council group but he has refused to resign his seat on the council or as the Mayor.

Political parties are ruthless - not quite the case of 'off with his head' but the old adage innocent until proven guilty certainly hasn't been applied in his case.

It's actually a very serious matter for an elected politician. I'm refraining from any comment because I know him but it's disappointing to say the least.

Ian Parker-Joseph's interesting post is food for thought as they say - Was David Kelly suicided to protect Blair

The news that Lord Hutton had secretly, a year after the end of his enquiry, taken unprecedented action to ensure that the vital evidence surrounding David Kelly’s death remains a state secret for up to 70 years has many people curious as to why. What are they covering up!!!!

From Witterings From Witney, sometimes a few words say a lot - Exactly who is being led by who 'by the nose'?

From Pro-liberia this week- The cycle of liberty/ -

Interesting thought on the Historical sequence of our liberty.


From bondage to spiritual faith;
From spiritual faith to great courage;
From courage to liberty;
From liberty to abundance;
From abundance to complacency;
From complacency to apathy;
From apathy to dependence;
From dependence back again into bondage

Governmentitus writes another short but to the point post- Britains New Deal In Europe

What is it about the sight of women in public wearing burkas and face-veils that is so contentious? Do people really care - Tolerance and Approval are quite different. Many people have strong opinions about the issue. If you have something you need to get off your chest add to the comments after the post.

Fair assessment from Stumbling and Mumbling - What Apathy? Many people are disillusioned with the current political climate. For some electorate even the thought of voting is a waste of time.

Mark Pack is a political realist - Social media’s impact on politics, part one: the groups that face extinction

Welcome to a two-part series about the real impact social media (or social networking) is having on politics in Britain. In part one I look at the groups which face extinction, whilst in part two I will look at why pundits searching for the impact of social media on politics in 2010 are looking in the wrong place.

Hope next week we will be able to read part 2. In the meantime can bet my bottom dollar feisty Shami Chakrabarti will be spitting feathers.

There is no need to add anything to Alex Wilcock's post the title says it all.
New Labour’s 4,289 New Laws – Yet Blair Walks Free

From blog On An Overgrown Path - Love life and crimes against humanity. Heavy reading which the intellectuals will enjoy.

From Guido Fawkes' Guys news a video adding a bit of spice to this roundup - he thrives on dishing the dirt.




Many people are of the same opinion - Blair Getting Away With Murder

Blair just said "You would be hard pressed to find anyone who in September 2002 doubted that Saddam had WMD". We all know that turned out to be a big fat lie.

Another food for thought, James Hingham piece - add your comments Behold … the portal to a chance … a tiny chance

The Anger of a quiet man writes Utter failure of new Labour

♫ Things can only get better ♪ That was the song that heralded in the reign of New Labour, the Blairite dream team, the leftist militant tendency consigned to the ashes of history, a brand new day dawning and freedom from the corruption and sleaze of the Major government.

What we actually got was this. .....read on

A change of tempo - Charles Crawford 's apt choice of words to describe Craig Murray's, noisy misrepresentation of a former colleague. Craig Murray: drama queen

Craig Murray's vanity knows no bounds. His 'story' is soon to be dramatised on the BBC! If I can bear to listen I'll do so and give you a full and fair review.

To round off this blog Jonathan Calder diverts from politics with more on his visits to places around the country. This week it's Kibworth Harcourt and the Jarrow march. Some of his writings would make an interesting tour guide.

Well that's all for this week. Next weeks host will be Charles Crawford
Send your nominations, as ever, to britblog [at] gmail [dot] com.

Tory Campaigning in Islington

My friend Richard making a big splash in the Tribune this week.

‘It’s not where you’re from, it’s where you’re going,’ says Tory Richard Bunting

Well it is all about election strategy these days.

We share the same birthday so must remember to contact him next week.

Like a snail I'm slowing coming back

Had a break from blogging for some time. For the past few months life's been a bit chaotic - the extreme cold weather has also been affecting these arthritic old bones - have to accept age is catching me. Decided to reduce some of my community activities to reduce stress levels. I'm not standing for reelection as a Governor of the Camden and Islington Foundation Mental Health Trust. There are just not enough hours in day to take on all the committee work load as well of the Resident Forum. Even helping in the shop across the road is now only the odd hour - Need also to be available to look after the grandchildren the odd days and especially in the school hols. Easier for me to go to their house even if the journey takes me nearly two hours.

Just before Christmas I accompanied the independent inspector to some of Partners residents properties. What an eye opener. That together with some of the Residents case loads taken on by the forum really got to me - it's difficult to be hard faced when people need help in trying to resolve a problem when they feel officialdom is not listening to them. A hard slog at times but just to see the smiles on people faces and the thank you cards is enough to make it worthwhile. Keep saying I won't take on more cases but as soon the next one come ups I know I'll find myself unable to refuse.

Now that the meetings are held at the Town Hall so many residents are turning up with their problems. Makes the meetings a bit more lively, though for the last two I've had to jig the agenda around so they can have their say.

Never thought there would come a time when I would avoid shopping - find it so much easier to shop online. To add complications to my life my computer 'old friend' finally packed up. Meant I had to go out and purchase one off the shelf in hurry. Had to bite my tongue when looking at the various model specifications, young sales assistance tried to tell me what I should have completely ignoring my requirements. The look on their face when I started to ask them technical stuff was priceless. Management intervened , I ordered what I needed and they offered to deliver free of charge. Meant an additional weeks delay but it was that or looking for a taxi to lug all the boxes home.

Back up and running with one of those video cameras, early last Sunday I automatically reacted to the online bell ringing. I'm sitting in my dressing gown looking like something the cat dragged in and my cousin Richard in Aus appeared om the screen sitting in the brilliant sunshine with his swimming pool behind him and a great boxer dog jumping around. What a laugh. Took me ages to work out how to just have the voice and not the visual online screen image. Sure won't make that mistake again.

Richard bless him was concerned not having heard from me for some time - my cousin buddy who is researching his part of the family tree on the other side of the globe. The family all over the world are so excited that I finally solved the 120 year old mystery as to who was the real father of my grandfather Claud and his brother Wallace. With London Baptism records now online was able to work out who he was with the strange combination of names. So odd to think that all the Wooldridges in the family should really be Hambers. After seeing the two properties in Islington where great gran Blanche lived after her first husband died wondered how she could have afforded them. Now we know a family of Military Officers and Gentlemen going back generations - so odd these days to see profession lively on 'own means'.

Found one of the relations who confirmed all the facts - George made me laugh by saying he was doing the Hamber tree before he himself becomes an Ancestor. In his mid 80's he is wonder with facts and records.

Was supposed to my turn to write the British Blog roundup this weekend - I completely forgot. A quick swop so now I'll have to compose myself for next weekend.

Partners, You can now email the Chair of the Residents Forum

It's all go since I became Chair of the Residents forum. Today was a bit of glamour. Partners are now promoting their image and as Chair that means me as well. Had to pen a message to be included in the next Gazette. There is always a cut off deadline in all publications so as usual was done in rush. The next problem was photos of me.

Doesn't look good to have the same tired old photo used over and over again. They need some for the media and their website as well. I'm good at taking photos of others but I don't have any suitable current ones.

With a variety of outfits ready, Tom from HQ turned up this afternoon with his camera. Luck was in - the rain stopped just as he arrived. What a laugh - kept changing my clothes as he took photos all over my flat and around the property. In keeping with Islington recycling drive had some shots taken around and looking into the new Green 250 litre wheelie bin - will be interesting to see how they turn out. Least Tuesday is our collection day so it was easy to move all the empty bins and containers around.

More photos taken in the garden - I'm always chuffed after all my effort when officialdom say something nice about the garden. Partners have a planned series of themes for each Gazette - one in the pipeline is on the subject of maintaining gardens and the cleanliness of property frontages. After all the refurbishment works the whole property looks great. Office bound, it's probably the first time Tom has actually seen one of the properties made-over- he was impressed. An example of what can be done with a little care this property will most likely be photographed a lot during the next couple of years.

Partners are keeping up with modern technology - there will be no more traipsing back and forth, to sign letters - what a relief. They have also now created a separate email address for the Forum chair as well so that will be interesting to see what people write in about.

Islington Partners Residents forum: Introducing the new chair.

Busy, busy, busy - After the summer break Sept is always full of meetings - this year is no exception. Tonight was Islington's 'Partners' Residents forum meeting.

First up on the agenda, the election of Chair for a two year term. Feel very proud that yours truly was elected by the members with a wide majority. Richard Best was elected vice-chair. Other residents were co-opted after the election so we now have a good team in place.

Being the Chair for two years is a real commitment but everybody including officialdom seems to feel I'm up to the task. They are all used to my making waves so to speak but its all for the long term good of Islington residents anyway.

The Summer edition of the Partners Gazette has since been distributed to the 5000 plus residents living in properties managed by Partners. Good to see some of the concerns of residents were included in the publication - gives members of the forum encouragement that their voice is being heard. The Autumn edition is already being planned. Other issues of concern or interest will be in the next one - Including something about visitors to properties(family & friends) and their behaviour.
Seems now I'm going to have to write something to be included in each edition of the Gazette. Not a problem with so much going on around.

The forum members had already been informed about the new recycling developments and it is hoped an article will be included in the next edition as well. I'm pleased that wheelie bins were distributed to some of the residents in this area and all the old green boxes collected. So far everybody who has received one are very pleased - less mess and easy to manage. For this property we did get two delivered to share - should think do to, what good would one wheelie bin be.

As the meetings are open to the public, our new venue at the Town Hall means easy access for most residents and plenty of space for people to sit - so welcome all.

End of the summer

Seems we are at the end of the lovely hot weather. All week it has been chop and change between extremes in weather conditions. Tuesday was able to get the pool out for my grandson - he actually managed to get me in it up to knee level. It was either that or get sprayed - least it was fun. He has started his new school but for the first week they close for half the day. Having attended nursery since the year dot he's full of confidence but some of the other children have never been away from their mothers before so find it very distressing. He just said at the moment school is boring but at least he's been able to spend time with his nans'.

They live so far a way now I have to meet him half way at London Bridge. Not a stress, he knows the way on the Northern line down all those long passages without batting an eye lid. God he's so sensible I'm just amazed the way he thinks - like a little old man giving me instructions not to go near the yellow line and making sure I touch in and out with my oyster card. At times he seems to be looking after me not the other way round. So pleased he has now learnt where I live and knows what to do in an emergency - such a relief.

Thursday again the weather wasn't so good - indoor activities. Imagine him telling me to go quietly up the stairs so as not to disturb the neighbours.

Saturday was another scorcher. My foster mum was showing two of her Champion boxer dogs at the Richmond dog show. If she can travel all the way from Wales at her age then who am I to say anything about travelling from North London to Guildford Surrey so off I went. The train journeys weren't so bad but at the other end just couldn't be bothered looking up buses so jumped in a taxi. A wise choice - it was miles - would have taken forever on a bus. Habits die hard - Get told off as if I'm still a child so didn't dare be late when I promised I'd be there.

Arrived in time to see the young Alice strut her stuff and win another prize. The two dogs have won so many prizes this year they more than qualify for Crufts. Guess who will be going to Birmingham again next year.

Islington: Wheelie Bins for recycling

Islington recycling will soon announce more plastic items that can be included in the weekly collection - such as plastic containers, Tetrapack, drinks carton and plastic bags.

Where resident should put all the stuff has also been considered - the sensible news is wheelie bins for recycling are being introduced. They are not being rolled out around the borough but an opt in arrangement is being organised as a trial.

One can only say thank heavens for that. Already in the property where I live there are 9 green boxes and most weeks this is not enough. Then with the wind, the boxes at time are a nightmare to keep closed and recycling rubbish is blown about sometimes in the street.

Sounding out opinions of adjacent neighbours and other local residents in the area most I've spoken to welcome the idea as long as they retrieve the old garden boxes and not create another problem with redundant green boxes and nowhere to keep them. Even the route collectors say it would make their collection much easier - there is apparently a high rate of recycling in this area.

Well I've included this property on the list. As a multi-occupancy property one wheelie bin won't be enough so I'm hoping they will give us two for the trials - least that's on the cards for now.

Waiting for more official information about the scheme so watch this space...

Britblog roundup 238: The end of the Summer hols version

It's the end of the summer hols - children are back to school - the nightmare begins - heavy London traffic. Why can't the little darlings just walk to school or get a bus and save the environment.

Checking this weeks nominations, seems like many bloggers are still getting back into the swing of things except of course the political bloggers who have always got something gobby to say.

Last week was extremely traumatic for me - it's continued this week with calls and impromptu visits which have really disrupted my whole weekend - not that I mind because people who are distressed need somebody to talk to. By sheer coincidence Lynne Featherstone MP penned about her hospice visit North London Hospice - she wrote,I have always been shocked - that end of life care (dying basically) is often left to charities rather than being part of the NHS and properly funded by them.

A news item that's really pissed me off - the demise of the 100watt condensate bulb has likewise irked many people - the energy saving bulbs supposed 100watt equivalent is useless if one needs bright light. Unmitigated England's witty gist Black Out says it all,

We've seen some jaw-dropping dictates from them for some time, but this one beggars belief. So, from yesterday apparently, it's 'ban all those perfectly serviceable lightbulbs.....

To calm the mood - see photo above. English Buildings always has interesting facts about historical buildings. This week he's writing about a lighthouse in Burham on Sea, Somerset.

But in the end, buffeted and battered, I made it to the Low Light, Burnham’s sea-shore lighthouse on poles. This unusual structure was built in 1832.

Just wonder how he finds the time to visit all the buildings he writes about.

Pro Liberi's on his soap box - Milking the consumer - About corporations holding back on replacing technology to get the most out of their investment and screwing the consumer.

Interesting post - Stumbling and Mumbling on X Factor politics - Seems the X Factor has become the show that every politician must watch

Remember the Jersey scandal. A good, straight cop responds to the Jersey establishment's lies -Lenny Harpers guest posting on Senator Stuart Syvret's Blog

Ben, a convicted murderer, asks if he, as a prisoner should be allowed to blog.

The F-word reviews the book Bluestockings, The Remarkable Story of the First Women to fight for an Education, by Jane Robinson

England’s first college accepting female undergraduates was established in 1869. In 1948, Cambridge became the last university in the country to grant degrees to its female students. Alexandra Roumbas Goldstein reviews a book which charts the years in between....

Mark Reckons recently interviewed Douglas Carswell about his book the Plan which he co-wrote with Daniel Hanman

Chicken Yogurt writes, When is a nuclear submarine not a nuclear submarine - Take for example, the recently launched Indian nuclear submarine, the INS Arihant (Destroyer of Enemies). Just how many enemies the Arihant could be the destroyer of right now is debatable,for you see...

Clairwil shouts All Hail Lubna 'whip me if you dare' Hussian

Bishop Crammer is really put out that the NHS is advertising for Faith and Spirituality Coordinators. What a waste of money.

Liberal Conspiracy feels Feminists aren't letting down Muslim women - just hate it when men are opinionated about women matters when they know nothing.

Jonathon Calder writes Russell Howard and Mock the week - an interesting post.

A well reasoned commentary - Bulger to Edington - small kids killing other smaller kids for sadistic pleasure - stuff that nightmares are made of.

The adventures of Juliette ponders why factual crime is always so much more banal, depressing and predictable than the fictional version?

Penny Red most vocal as usual - Reproductive freedom and racial paranoia

It goes without saying - Why journalism still beats blogging.

A modern day fagan - Just looking at his photo, all I can say is Yuk.

This a special request not a blog post. Our Soldier boy Matt after a serious head operation a year ago is trying to raise money for the Army's Headley Court rehabitation centre which is largely funded by donations. Now disabled but still in the Army he is taking part in sporting competitions on behalf of the Army's disabled soldiers. If you can help even with a fiver, please donate to Just Giving so he reaches his target of £2000.

That's all for this week. Sorry it's not my usual witty post but one has to be in the mood to crack jokes.

Next weeks round up will be hosted by Natalie Bennett who pens Philobiblon

Missed any BBRU posts - you can catch up on other weeks on Britblog Roundup Central
Nominations for any post please send them in to britblog AT gmail DOTcom

End of life care!!!

Spent a traumatic week at the Marie Curie Hospice Hampstead, North London around the bedside of somebody I love - she died late Friday night. Not something easy to talk about but her 'foster granddaughter' summed up my feelings on Saturday when she wrote on Facebook.

Have u ever cried, till u can cry no more and realised that ur body is still sobbing but thee is nothing u can o to stop?

Tears wouldn't stop - had to sit in the garden - the only place I could go away from all sound so the neighbours wouldn't hear my painful raking crying. Phone didn't stop ringing - people asking if I'm Ok - all were appreciated even if I couldn't say much through the tears.

The concept of being referred to a Hospice to die is something I've not had any experience of before - a real shock to the system. Located not far from where I live but going every day with the feeling of dread, just couldn't handle public transport - the local taxi company were marvelous - seems their services are used frequently by others in the same situation going to the same hospice.

To be honest it is a much more friendly atmosphere and much nicer than a hospital but to be sent there after being told there is no hope and you are going to die is mind blowing - end of life care they call it. It's not actually dying with dignity - many people linger on for weeks and that is what I can't get my head round - it's unnerving. The time between the coma state and actual death - is agonising to witness. The staff though are just marvelous but they have to be special to work in that kind of environment. They even extend their support to visitors - much appreciated when people are distressed.

Checking some of the blog, by sheer coincidence Lynne Featherstone MP penned about her hospice visit North London Hospice - she wrote,

I have always been shocked - that end of life care (dying basically) is often left to charities rather than being part of the NHS and properly funded by them.

She has hit the nail on the head - I was more than surprised to learn that the hospice is funded by donations and not the NHS. Doesn't seem right somehow - there should be at least some contribution. I fully support the motion about this.

Still struggling to get myself back on track - back to unpacking my few remaining boxes. Grandchildren came round yesterday completely lifting my mood. After jumping all over me, such polite little beings (shoes off in nana's house), first question, where were their slippers for my house - where were all their toys. Full of beans they inspected the new layout of my flat and of course it was down in the garden......

Escape from the maddening crowd

Had an amazing time at my cousin Julie's. A lot's happened since my - Real family 'Fathers for justice' story. Julie, her hubby and sister Alice went to Cyprus to see their dad.

Then by a real stroke of luck found their eldest missing half brother Mick - another emotional journey especially for Mick who is almost my age. He and his wife have now also booked a holiday to Cyprus as well.

Through all of it, Julie has been a star - found we really get on and have been in touch ever since. She is my kind of person, somebody you don't have to mind your P's & Q's with. Kept promising I would go and visit but after my bout of flu took the bull by the horns.

Saturday up with the larks dashed out to catch the tube - was completely taken back when not only the Victoria Line was closed for engineering works but most of the other lines as well. Always say I'm a silly mare at times - should have checked before travelling. Thinking about the time of the train from Victoria, dashed over the road to borrow twenty quid from my friends shop and jumped in a taxi. Actually missed my train but because of road works around Victoria they allowed passengers on the next train without paying any penalty

Journey took less than two hours - got off and there was Julie smiling away. It was like we had known each other for years. What a marvelous place she lives in. The beach nearby and Arundel Castle the principal home of the Duke of Norfolk was just a short drive away. Just love old worldly places - Arundel was a real picture book place - some real posh shops and expensive houses.

Spent several hours touring the castle - except for Buck Palace haven't been inside one that's actually lived in. The old part was as expected, we climbed up and down all the towers. The stair wells are so narrow, can't imagine how anybody a bit over weight can manage the winding stairs. Something I'd never given a thought to before - some boys were having a good laugh at the open historic tube toilet in the top of the tower walls - bit cold for 'bums' in the winter and where did the crap all drop on to.

Over at the main part of the castle where the family live, by some fluke the guest bedrooms were open. What an eye opener - wondered how anybody nowadays can manage in those historical bathrooms. The height of the beds, even I would would have to jump to get on them - no wonder they made some special steps for Queen Victoria when she visited the castle.

As we were leaving just had to go to the loo. Cubical doors were the wooden barn type. Was in fits laughing when two elderly ladies commented with relief that at least the visitors toilets were modern.

From the Castle it was tea in an old fashioned tea/coffee shop - just the basics none of the modern Espresso, Cappuccino, Latte or Mocha stuff. Reminded me of the Agatha Christie films. Being with Julie was a laugh a minute - no point wearing my eye makeup, it kept coming of with laughter tears.

From there was a quick stroll along the sea front then back to Julie's house. Her hubby cook up some lovely nosh for us - ate until I was stuffed. With her two sons still living at home what a fun house.

Couldn't get over how quiet it was in the evening - quite unnerving for those of us who live in London.

Sunday we went to see her sister, my cousin Alison - she was so pleased to see me. Can't get over how much she resembles my own sisters. Then out of respect we called on her mum. The rest of the time flew past. Bit sad to have to leave. Got home almost midnight. Not unusual in it's self but the complicated journey because of the tube network's downtime made it very tiring.

Will I go again - hope so - that's if they want me.

BritBlog Roundup 235 BBRU 235: Midsummer Fat Panic Edition

Like a knight in shining armour Charles Crawford stepped into the breach and swapped with me - this weeks BritBlog Roundup - BBRU 235: Midsummer Fat Panic Edition is now on his blog.

Big relief - a great load off my head. He's such a witty writer well worth a read. My turn will now be 6th Sept.

Stress - I live here too!!!

Another week nearly ended - was supposed to be my quiet week - no chance to rest - unreasonable noise on a daily basis is doing my head in - feel like screaming out the window at times, I live here too.

Didn't receive any post for 3 days - not sure when the London postal strikes are planned but they seem to be ongoing - so irritating when one is expecting important mail.

Last weekend booked a mini break away - was told as it was an advance rail ticket they have a special deal - £10 return. Was flabbergasted - instead of the £27 single - who wouldn't take such a deal. Expected the tickets Monday but they only arrived this afternoon and a late post at that. Was getting myself unnecessarily stressed that they wouldn't arrive in time.

Tuesday one of my impulse buys arrived by courier delivery - a garden vac cum shredder. The trees at the back look lovely but I'm getting too old to keep raking up the thousand of falling Autumn leaves. Wasn't cheap and not easy to put together either - was also sceptical it would work the way advertised. Just had to try it out so it was a day in the garden. The gizmo is marvelous - it gobbled up all the dried grass cuttings (even with a mover that's supposed to collect the grass there are always some lumps left behind), the paper, leaves and other rubbish.

Was able also do a bit more pressure hose washing down - can only use it gradually nowadays the vibration hurts my hands. Bit surprised at the detergents suds and yucky smell which formed in the water hitting the brick step - had to scoop up the water rather than let it drain away so it wouldn't kill the grass. The whole back is on a slope and any water drainage seeps into the garden section - some days it floods. Now the pathway doesn't smell and looks lovely with all the green stuff gone - won't be slippy in the winter.

Seem to be spending a fortune on snail and slug killer. If they didn't eat the plants wouldn't bother but they seem to be out in force this year. Likewise bug killer spray - Many of the shrubs and mini tree are being infected by the two small apple trees that have been left to grow all straggly not pruned or sprayed. The owner won't listen to me but it's so sad to see them going brown with the leaves all holely - no lush fruit only a few struggling apples on one tree that just fall off all brown and yucky. Any that fall on my side - more food for the worms in the composter.

Still have to cut the overhanging branches - a job for next week. I know legally I don't have to ask but it's called being polite. Have nice neighbours on both sides of the property. The creeper growing along the left wall they don't want cutting. It has completely covered their side - they say it covers up the ugly wall and the squirrels don't like running along it. On the other side the lady says I can cut anything back that is overhanging so there is light on my own plants, same for the residents living in the properties at the bottom of the garden. Why can't everybody be just a nice.

Wednesday my stuff in storage finally arrived. Been a bit of a stress getting it back - people who organise it have been away. Least my flat looks better with the rest of the furniture in it - have a table to eat on not - not easy managing with trays. My mini office cupboard also - at long last somewhere to put all the files and papers. Didn't realise how many boxes the packers used. Stuck high in the hallway have only managed to unpack 12 so far. Finding so many things I don't really need anymore - the answer the local Freecycle - everything goes. Specially the brown boxes and white packing paper there is a queue of people waiting for them. Loads of stuff went today.

Wednesday also went outside to collect my recycle food box - I'd forgotten about the collect on Tuesday. As usual - only 4 boxes were very neatly stacked with the others 5 just left scattered as the collectors had left them. How that's for spite - being territorial about green boxes - it absolutely ludicrous - I always sort them out for everybody if I've got time. Who cares about what goes in the boxes or whose they are. In a nice world they should be just filled up one by one. Not this is my box and that is yours, it's all so petty. The same on collection night I put everything together. If I forget my green stuff and food box is just left behind - so very sad that adults can behave in this way.

Thursday more unpacking - seems never ending - my brain briefly evaporated - was so tired fell asleep on the sofa.

Friday was just a nothing day was quite determined I wasn't going to stress myself by unpacking anymore boxes - They'll have to wait until next week. To relax is working on my family tree. Post arrived with 2 more death certs and 1 marriage - working on the Penny/Lamb family 1700-1800's - direct ancestors. So difficult to get it right when names are common - was so chuffed when they turned out to be correct. There are over 20 family trees on the web with some of the same names but nobody has the details on the certs I received - am chuffed with my investigative skills. Also a whole batch on London records have been put on the web - found 3 of my grandfather half brothers marriages. I'm one of those that like to know what happened to people.

Brtiblog roundup 234

This weeks Britblog roundup 234 has been posted by Jonathan Calder - The one that breaks the rules. He's slapping the wrist of everybody so I suppose that includes me - I'm guilty of forgetting to post the roundup each week.

Just realised that I'm supposed to be the one producing next weekends - Unfortunately that's not going to be possible so I hope I can get one of the syndicate to change with me.

Rarely seen photos 1800s

Hat tip - Bridget Fox who is into all things good about Islington when she is not slagging off her Labour opponent Emily Thornberry.

For history buffs - The Daily Mail has an article with some interesting old photos of 1800s London and beyond.

One that caught my eye - London's famous landmark Nelson's Column under construction in April 1844 - have a look.

Apparently the British Library holds 350,000 historic pictures in its vaults, and for the first time ever it is running an exhibition of these rarely seen pictures, which will open in Oct this year - as it not far from here would be fascinating to see some more of the collection.

From the beyond my choice is the 1846 photo of the Colosseum in Rome - can't help remembering taking my sons there when they were young. While I was more interested in the history of the place they were fearlessly running about in the centre pretending to be lions and Roman gladiators - as we at were that time visiting from Africa I was so surprised that they even knew what gladiators were.

A day of surprises

Received a surprise letter today confirming my appointment as an associate Director on the Homes for Islington (HFI) Performance Management Committee on behalf of Partners.

It's all about performance, best practice and value for HFI services - serious stuff. Having been recommended for the post, went along to a meeting Monday - loads of reading - a packed agenda. Most of the other Directors and Associates I've met before so it wasn't like going into a room full of strangers.

Known to be somebody who says it as it is, calling a spade a spade - added my quota to the meeting. Seems somebody liked my approach.

Not much to actually report back to Partners - a little about PFI leaseholder issues but what made me smile was the matter of enforcing tenancy conditions with dogs as the priority. Tenants are allowed one dog, two with permission but in the past the regulations haven't been enforced with the result some residents have several and others even illegally breeding them. Two of the councillors were most vocal about the situation which is considered now getting out of hand. How they are going to implement the regulations uniform across the borough is yet to be confirmed - bureaucracy and red tape not withstanding eventually there will be an action plan.

Another issue that has resurfaced this week - the back left side boundary adjoining wall which is gradually falling apart and listing dangerously towards this property - after every rain more cracks appear - the middle section has completely separated from the two end wall sections. From next door the wall can been seen to be bending over in a kind of curve. In March 2007 suits came to inspect it then the matter went dead.

2009 one of new tenants next door is concerned as well - the company which owns that property has agreed to go halves with the cost of pulling it down and rebuilding. Now another survey appointment has been made. Was told that with so many walls in the queue it is turn by turn. Though if everything is agreed could be just 6 weeks after inspection before the work starts.

We live to see - the wall obviously dangerous something has to be done about it. I'm more concerned how they will go about it and the garden.

Green Energy & Oyster cards you are never to old to learn

Today is Barack Obama's birthday - today is also my son Sule's and his partner Natasha's birthday. I often wonder what are the odds of other couples being born not only on the same day but the same year - grandchildren have got their head round the strange situation by singing happy birthday to mummy and daddy.

What to buy for presents - just has to be for their new house. Went to see it last week with my sister. Excited children showing me every cupboard in every room. A house is a house but what has fascinated me about it is, as a new build it has many green energy saving features I've heard about but never seen in use before. Specially the solar panels on the roof, have to admit I'm still not sure in practical terms how they actually work.

Set back from the main road, one impressive feature about the whole building complex is the unusual shaped layout. There is even a closed off fully equipped children's playground visual to all residents so small children can play safely.

Learned another valuable lesson today about the use of the Oyster card. Unless one has a weekly or monthly payment on a card with the pay-as-you-go type, no matter how much money is on the card you have to buy a separate ticket to travel on the overland trains. As a visitor to London got my sister a pay-as-you-go. Loads of money on the card but when we rushed to catch the train we were blocked by the barrier. Had to queue up for a ticket - all so frustrating especially when the trains are only every half hour and it's getting to past children's bedtime. Which child is going to willingly go to bed when nana is expected and they are excitedly waiting to show off their new bedrooms!!!!

A week with my sister from Plymouth

An interesting week having my sister Anne-louise around - no kids, other family or dogs - been years since we have spent time together like that. Didn't manage all the things we had planned but..

Unpacking her bags - yes I mean bags (vegetables from her greenhouse all the way from Plymouth) - first up was her photos. Looking at the pictures of my daughter Jaycee who died wasn't a bad as I expected - sort of mentally tuned myself so I didn't get upset. Then the photos of us when we were growing up brought back so many memories. Our mother had written the dates on them all, without I wouldn't have guessed our ages. One of us, myself, Anne-louise and Jean all dressed up for our ballet classes - couldn't stop laughing. Can still remember the etiquette lessons and those classes - the 5 basic positions, first position, second position and all that - arabesques, plies, learning to stand on the blocks and the pointe work - toes hurt for days. Another - Rose Queen day, what a plonker I looked with the crown thing stuck on my head - can still remember dancing round the May pole.

Two unexpected photos of me on my first birthday - don't know why Anne-louise had them. Wouldn't have recognised myself - the only identifiable marking is they say Kensington on the back so they have to be me. They called it being chubby back then, I call it just plain fat.

One thing I have to say about our mother be we were all impeccably dressed. She knitted and sewed everything. I was about 5 when I got my first sewing machine - all my dolls were dressed in mini copies of what we wore. Learning to knit was easy - knit one purl one and drop stitch etc - must admit I haven't knitted a thing since 1973 though I've always had a sewing machine and more recently an over-locker.

Tuesday the scaffolding in this property came down - Anne-louise was a bit taken back by seeing men walking passed the window while she was half dressed. Her first reaction when they had gone was to look at the sad looking front window flower boxes.

Tuesday also was a visit to our cousin's son Rod from Australia who lives not far from here - the one who works in the TV industry ( photo above). Had a fantastic time - not all relations one takes to but he is an exception - such a witty young man - surprisingly he seemed to enjoy the visit as much as we did - well when you are young, to have two oldies around for hours can be tiresome. All the family tree stuff he finds as fascinating as well. Asked how out of all the places in London he ended up in Islington he just said when he arrive it felt like home - thinks it's so odd that his great grandfather Claude Wooldridge was born just down the road from where he lives (Liverpool Road) 1891 and his great, great, gran Blanche Young1866 walked the same streets. Suppose the same thing applies to me I can't really explain how from Africa I ended up in Islington either.

As expected he has a huge collection of photos on his high tech computer system. Found so many old family photos - was difficult to decide which ones we wanted. He has since zapped the whole lot over to me - isn't technology marvelous.

From his house of course Anne-louise wanted to see the house grandfather was born and the family church. Coming out of the church on the Holloway Road side noticed Ronalds Road where grandfathers brother was born - we just had to have a look. Have to agree with her when you think of the area back then it was horse-drawn carriages and tram lines not busy roads full of cars. On the return journey showed her the pillars which used to be the entrance to the old Tufnell Park estate. The manor (now demolished) stood on the site of the Holloway Odeon.

All that walking we were shattered so Wednesday after a rainy night we decided to cut the front hedge and tidy up the flower area. Usually takes me ages - the cutting is simple but the clearing up is so tiring - need to rest more these days as I'm doing it so takes me much longer than it used to. With two people it was so much quicker. She is more experienced than me in knowing what is what, which plants should grow where and how to treat them.

Almost finished when the visitors to the flat downstairs arrived with their children. I've never told her anything about the problems I have with them. It is so difficult to explain - it's so meaningless and she is a worrier. The smallest thing can trigger off a verbal onslaught - I'm so used to it now I just mentally switch off - goes in one ear and out the other. She couldn't get over what she called their aggressive behaviour as if other people don't have small children - she was quite put out by it all.

Don't know how we managed it but later we went to Kentish Town - she can't handle the hustle and bustle of Oxford Street. A family with all kind of allergies she found what she was looking for at the orgnanic shop. Couldn't get her out of the Garden Centre - thought I was bad enough - least we bought some pansies for the window boxes and a proper fancy tall pot for the indoor plants now on the stairs. Back home before she even had a cup of tea the window boxes were sorted and the two indoor plants were professionally repotted.

Thursday was just chilling - I had an appointment. She spent time scanning all the photos for me. Evening was a visit to my son Sule - a long journey now they have moved into their new house - spent hours just chin wagging. He sent us home in a taxi becasue we brought back some of their empty packing boxes for her to take back to Plymouth - would never have thought about it myself but they cost a bomb and she hates waste so everybody obliged.

Friday it was a day in the garden - she was quite determined to sort it out. Least I have all the correct soil for each type of plant and plant food. She had me dizzy the way she set about refreshing all the pots and cutting back the shrubs that have disease on them. Had my hand on my heart with way she cut them back so small. She gave me some pointers so the tree bushes don't grow so big.

Saturday she was off in a taxi - was going to go with her but the tube line was down for weekend maintence. Several hours later she phoned - back home safe boxes and all.